The Salty Snack That Way More People Should Be Eating

Unless it's serving an architectural purpose in a sushi roll, most Westerners don't think of seaweed as food. But humans have been eating seaweed since prehistoric times, and it's still consumed daily in places like Japan, China, and Korea. So what do these Asian countries know that we don't?

Simply put: Seaweed is both delicious and really, really, ridiculously good for you. Let me count the ways:

Yes, it's algae, and algae are some of the best foods you can eat

If you can overlook the fact that most of your food grows in the dirt, then surely you can accept a little algae in your life. Plus, they're yummy. There's even a type that tastes just like bacon -- really. And seaweed's not the only algae you'll find on supermarket shelves. Spirulina and chlorella are two types of algae powder that you can sprinkle into smoothies or take in capsule form.

It's readily available and totally affordable

A good way to get your feet wet with seaweed (see what I did there?) is to order sushi, miso soup, or seaweed salad at your local Japanese restaurant. Feeling adventurous? Up the ante and make your own sushi at home. If you prefer to keep it simple, snag some "seaweed snacks" at your grocery or health-food store. (Trader Joe's has its own ultra-cheap version.) These are typically sheets of dried, roasted seaweed you can eat like chips -- but with way less guilt.